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Freeman McNeil (College Stats) - 1981 NFL Draft Pick #3 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Freeman McNeil - 1981 NFL Draft

Player Overview: Freeman McNeil was a standout running back from UCLA, known for his speed, agility, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. His performance in college made him one of the top prospects heading into the 1981 NFL Draft. College Stats:

• Rushing Yards: 3,738 yards
• Rushing Touchdowns: 29
• Receiving Yards: 1,187 yards
• Receiving Touchdowns: 7
• Yards Per Carry: 5.4

Strengths:

• Exceptional speed and quickness, making him a threat to break long runs.
• Versatile player capable of contributing both as a runner and receiver.
• Strong vision and ability to read blocks effectively.
• Durable and demonstrated a solid work ethic throughout his college career.

Weaknesses:

• Concerns about his size; could struggle against larger NFL linebackers.
• Inconsistent pass protection skills, which could limit usage on third downs.

Projected Draft Position: Freeman McNeil was projected to be selected in the first or early second round due to his impressive college career and potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Conclusion: Freeman McNeil's combination of speed, versatility, and production made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 1981 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a dynamic running back with the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game were particularly interested in him. His performance at UCLA solidified his status as one of the top offensive talents available.